Early Governors' Papers

Pages That Mention Winchester, Tenn.

Carroll_Letter_024_48382

Indexed

1

Dr Sir

An Election took place here yesterday for Sheriff of this County which has excited much interest ~~here~~ amongst the friends of the Candidates. This Election will be contested, and you as^are the umpire - The matter was argued by the Attorney in Court & the result was that a record of the whole proceedings should be sent to you. I was employed as one of Capt Hunts ^Counsel and the exemplification which I shall here offer of the Record you will consider as offered by me in my professional character.

By reference to the "Record" you will perceive that an election took place yesterday at one oClock - that there were 30 Magistrates present — that Gray had 15 Votes and that Hunt had 15 Votes - and that then the Chairman of the Court gave the casting vote and gave that vote in favor of Hunt - whereupon he was proclaimd by order of the Court of the cryer of the Court as Sheriff for the ensuing two years - Grays friends object to this election upon these grounds; that the Chairman first voted as a common Magistrate and then on the tie as Chairman thereby giveing [sic] two votes — To this we contend that the Chairman in the first place had a right to vote because the Constitution says the Sheriff shall be elected by the Magistrates of the County - and he is a Magistrate. [Wld?] if there be an equality of votes N neither the Constitution nor the Statute, point out